Anoosh Jamshed
I came to NYU Abu Dhabi with a burning desire to know more about the world. Having lived my entire life in one country, I was eager to break out of the familiar and immerse myself in new places, cultures, and ideas. Over the past four years, NYU Abu Dhabi has given me all of that and more. It has transformed how I see the world and how I see myself within it, offering me moments of discovery that will stay with me for a lifetime. One such moment — and one my friends are undoubtedly tired of hearing about — was my January Term course in Thailand.
As an Economics major, my days are usually filled with data, regressions, and optimization models. So, when I had the chance to take a theater course taught by Professor Rubén Polendo, which included a five-day seminar in Bangkok, I leaped at the opportunity even though I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. What followed was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my college journey.
In Bangkok, our class was immersed in the world of classical Thai dance. We spent hours learning three distinct styles from master artists recognized by the Royal Family of Thailand. Every movement was intricate and demanding, but our professor constantly reminded us to “stay in the attempt,” a mantra that became our guide whenever we felt overwhelmed.
What made the experience even more special was how we supported each other through every challenge, always saying, “I got you,” before tackling group activities. Outside the dance studio, Bangkok came alive in ways I never anticipated.
We trained in the art of Muay Thai boxing (another reminder of why I should have spent more time at the NYUAD gym), explored vibrant markets, and developed a collective obsession with Thai iced tea. Every day was packed with activity, and yet it never felt exhausting because we were all so engrossed in the richness of the experience. When I think back on those five days, it’s not just the activities that stand out but also the sense of connection and discovery. By the end of the trip, our group had become a small family, bound by shared challenges, laughter, and awe.
In many ways, that trip to Thailand was a microcosm of my time at NYUAD. If there’s one thing NYUAD has taught me, it’s that life’s most transformative moments often lie just beyond the edge of our comfort zones. As I prepare to leave this place, I hope to carry that lesson with me, embracing challenges and staying in the attempt, no matter what comes next.
